Republicans are justified in challenging U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice

December 05, 2012

Susan Rice has not demonstrated the qualifications needed for the delicate position of U.S. Secretary of State, particularly when our foreign policy in Syria, Egypt and Libya is in such disarray ("Obama's conundrum," Nov. 30).

Approval of nominees to cabinet positions is by law the prerogative of the Senate. Certainly the president is entitled to his opinion as to who the nominee should be, but at the same time the Senate is required to state that he has made a mistake.

The president is not omnipotent; he is human in his choices which may involve political considerations and even bias. The Republican Party not only has the right but the duty to question his judgment on any of his cabinet selections, much less one that helps establish our foreign policy.